Assessment of Fodder Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata, Walp) Genotypes Selected for Forage Yield

Abstract

Ten Cowpea (Vigna unguiculate L. Walp) genotypes were evaluated for forage yield, forage characters during 2014 and 2015 summer growing seasons at Sakha Agricultural Research Station in Egypt, to evaluate cowpea genotypes selected for high green forage yield and yield components under this study. Experiments were arranged in a randomized completely block design with four replications. Data indicated that highly significant different for genotypes, significantly (p<0.01) affected by year, cutting and genotypes. The highest significant green forage at the first cutting of the first year (31.85 kg/plot). While the least significant green forage yield at the second cutting of the first year. The highest genotypes for green forage yield were 4, 5, 7, 8 and 9 in the first cutting at the first year, while the least genotypes for green forage yield were 1, 7 and 8. Also, most genotypes for green forage yield at the first cutting were significantly higher than the second cutting except for genotypes 2, 3 and 8 at the second year. Also, dry forage yield for all genotypes in the first cutting of the first year (3.622 kg/plot) were significantly higher than values at the second cutting of the first year (2.748 kg/plot). Genotypes 4, 5, 7 and 9 in dry forage yield were superiorities in the two years (3.566 and 3.55), (3.482 and 3.362), (3.45 and 3.362) and (3.47 and 3.35), respectively. In addition, results showed leaves/stem ratio at the first cutting in both seasons were significantly lower than those recorded for second cutting in both seasons (83.4 and 83.5 versus 86.2 and 86.1%). Over cuttings, the highest significant at genotypes 5, 6 and 7 in the first year (90, 87 and 87.5%). While in the second year the highest significant at genotypes 1, 5, 9 and 10 (89.9, 90, 87 and 87.5%). Stem diameter was significantly reduced with progress of growth season from the first to the second cutting (0.749 and 0.620 cm.). Genotype 2 was the least significant (0.657 cm.) over years and cutting. Also, branching/ plant was significantly increased with progress of growth from the first to the second cuttings (4.525 and 4.705). While the obtained values at the first season was significantly lower than those of the second season (4.8 and .75 branch/plant). Over the studied years and cuttings, genotype 4 was the highest ground cover by 5.638 branch/plant-1. While less ground cover were genotypes 2 and 10 (4.219 and 4.182 branch/plant-1).